Frontier responds to concerns about its Oregon plans

Here's an op-ed from Ann Burr, vice president for Frontier Communications Corp., in response to last month's article on Frontier's ability to handle the Oregon fiber-optic business it's buying from Verizon:

Frontier's Ann Burr

On May 13, 2009 Frontier Communications, a Fortune 1000 and S&P 500 Index communications company serving 2.8 million access lines and High-Speed Internet subscribers in 24 states, announced an agreement to acquire approximately 4.8 million access lines from Verizon Communications. The acquisition includes all Verizon telephone lines and FiOS systems serving Oregon and Washington and is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2010.
A recent article in the Oregonian noted that members of Frontier's leadership team are already spending considerable time in Salem and local communities to introduce Frontier to city and state officials and to local business organizations. Face-to-face meetings are how we interact. The meetings help us better understand the needs and priorities of the communities and are a great opportunity to share more about Frontier's commitment to customers, our track record over 75 years, services and plans.
Those we speak to appreciate Frontier's truly "local" management style. Our general managers live in our markets to ensure top-quality service and a strong partnership in each community. We are old-fashioned in this regard: We believe no one knows a community's needs better than those who live there, that customers' opinions matter, and that businesses play a vital role in supporting their communities.

Almost everything else about us is 21st Century! Our robust networks provide phone, video, wireless data and high-speed Internet bundled products to our customers. The communities we serve are primarily small and medium-sized towns and cities that closely resemble the Verizon properties Frontier is acquiring. In fact, we believe that it is our responsibility to help people live where they want while enjoying sophisticated communications offered by large cities. We are proud to offer high-speed services to rural and suburban communities and to have a broadband reach surpassing 90% for high-speed and bundled services. Frontier's track record is impressive.

Frontier customers don't have to accept the terms from high-priced incumbent cable providers. We offer choice and competitively priced promotions and bundles backed by a "Customer First" performance culture.

Frontier is rapidly developing the necessary plans in preparation for the FiOS assets it will acquire. Many Frontier executives and employees have deep experience in the cable TV industry and are very familiar with providing high-value programming and all-in-one bundles. Verizon's well-trained employees will join Frontier's workforce to provide continuity and immediate knowledge of existing Verizon systems and customer needs. Customers will know that they are in good hands as we work together for a smooth transition and job preservation in the marketplace.

Frontier's focus on local management, community-based partnerships, quality customer service and advanced technology offerings bode well for Oregonians. Frontier views this acquisition as a long-term commitment and investment that will also provide the scale to enable Frontier to remain competitive. Frontier is ready, willing and able to make this acquisition a reality.

We look forward to serving all of our new customers in Oregon and beyond.

Ann Burr
Senior Vice President and General Manager
Frontier Communications